When it comes to fire safety, it’s easy to focus on alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. But one of the most powerful tools in protecting lives and property often goes unnoticed: the fire door.

These doors are designed to hold back fire and smoke, and buy precious time when every second counts. No matter the space you operate in, understanding what fire doors do, and how to check they’re working, is a simple way to keep your team safer.

What is a fire door?

Every industry has its own terminology, and fire safety for businesses is no exception. For example, when many people think of a fire door, they imagine a large door with a push bar that leads outside. In reality, that’s a fire exit, not a fire door.

Fire exits are designed to allow quick and unhindered evacuation during an emergency. Fire doors, on the other hand, play a different but equally vital role. They are part of our passive fire protection systems, along with walls and floors, which work together to contain fire, heat, and smoke. This approach is called compartmentation and helps limit the spread of fire within a building.

A fire door typically consists of the frame, door leaf, and associated fittings. Some are glazed, others are not, but all are fitted with an intumescent seal (in either the frame or the door leaf) that expands under heat, effectively sealing the door. Fire doors are also self-closing, ensuring they perform their role in an emergency.

Types of fire doors

To meet different needs, fire doors are classified according to the level of fire resistance they provide:

• FD30 – Resists fire for 30 minutes; common in lower-risk premises
• FD60 – Resists fire for 60 minutes; typical in higher-risk commercial buildings
• FD90 – Provides 90 minutes’ resistance; designed for high-risk industrial areas
• FD120 – Offers 120 minutes’ resistance; used in critical areas
• FD240 – The highest protection level, lasting up to 240 minutes; installed in extremely high-risk environments

Keep it working: Fire door maintenance essentials

Just like any safety equipment, fire doors must be maintained. Monthly visual checks help identify obvious issues such as damage or wear, while professional six-monthly inspections look more closely at the frame, leaf, hinges, seals, and closing mechanisms.

The five-step fire door check

Here’s a simple way to spot potential issues with your fire door:

• Certification – Look for a label, plug, or conformity marking that proves the door is third-party certified. Hardware such as locks, latches, closers, and hinges should also be certified and compatible.
• Apertures – Check that no alterations have been made, such as cutting holes for glazing or grilles. These void certification.
• Gaps and Seals – Ensure the gap around the door is even (2–4mm) and no more than 8mm under the door. If you see light, large gaps, or damaged seals, report it.
• Closers – Make sure the closer shuts the door fully and securely from any position.
• Operation – Confirm the door closes properly without sticking or dragging on the floor or frame.

(Adapted from firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk)

What this means for small businesses

Fire safety isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting lives, livelihoods, and the spaces we work in every day. Fire doors are a silent safeguard, but they only work if we treat them as such.

Here’s how we can all play a part:

• Familiarise yourself with the company’s safety plan, including routes, alarms, and the assembly point.
• Take fire drills seriously and participate to help understand the procedures.
• Keep escape routes clear; don’t leave personal items or boxes in the way.
• Never wedge fire doors open (fire extinguishers are not doorstops!).
• Report any issues straight away, such as a fire door not closing properly.

How SafeWorkforce can help

SafeWorkforce makes it easier to stay on top of fire door safety, without the paperwork pile-up.

Our health and safety software securely stores your essential maintenance logs, so you’ll get automatic reminders when six-monthly professional inspections are due.

You’ll also have real-time visibility into fire door compliance across all your sites, helping you stay proactive and audit ready.

And if you’re ever unsure about something, whether it’s a damaged seal, a missing label, or a door that won’t close properly, our health & safety experts are just a message away. We’re here to help you get it right, every time.